The acrimony spilled onto X within minutes, with the poll panel issuing a “straight talk to Trinamool Congress”, asserting that the West Bengal polls would be conducted in a “fear-free, violence-free” manner.
“ECI’s straight talk to Trinamool Congress. This time the elections in West Bengal would surely be: fear-free, violence-free, intimidation-free and without any chappa, booth jamming and source jamming,” the ECI said on its official handle.
The TMC hit back with its own “straight talk to @ECISVEEP”.
“This time, the elections must be free from Delhi’s control, free from political bias, free from selective targeting, and free from double standards,” the party posted.
“Is this how a neutral constitutional body is expected to behave? To put it bluntly: take off your mask now!” the party added, questioning the EC’s impartiality.
The war of words followed a meeting between a four-member TMC delegation led by Rajya Sabha MP Derek O’Brien and the full Commission to discuss alleged deletions linked to SIR and transfers of officials in poll-bound West Bengal.The TMC alleged that EC officials were dismissive and that the meeting lasted barely 7-10 minutes.
EC sources, however, said O’Brien failed to maintain decorum.
“Derek O’Brien shouted at the Election Commission and asked the CEC not to speak. The CEC requested him to maintain decorum. Shouting and indecent behaviour are not appropriate,” sources said, alleging a pattern of disruptions by TMC delegations.
O’Brien, meanwhile, told reporters that the delegation raised concerns over nine letters sent by West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee that remain unanswered, and alleged links between senior poll officials and the BJP.
“We asked the CEC how he can ensure free and fair elections when such tainted officers are being appointed in Bengal. His answer was: ‘Get lost’,” O’Brien said.
“We told the CEC we would not listen to him because he does not allow his colleagues to speak. We have attended eight to nine such meetings where no one other than the CEC speaks,” he added.
TMC MP Sagarika Ghose also alleged misconduct.
